Six in seven contact lens wearers take unnecessary risks with their eyes
Rinsing or storing lenses in tap water is not a good idea
SAFE SIGHT Contact lens wearers can be lax about practicing good hygiene habits, according to a new survey. In some cases, the risky behaviors can lead to eye infections.
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People in the United States who wear contact lenses share an eye-opening characteristic. Roughly 85 percent report regularly taking at least one risk when wearing or cleaning their lenses. In the Aug. 18 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe results from a 2016 national survey of more than 6,000 people.
Contrary to previous studies, teens did better in some categories than adults. The no-no’s below can lead to serious eye infections, mainly by introducing microorganisms into the eye. Even water that’s safe to drink or swim in can bug up lenses.
